How to Prevent Shower Curtain Mold

Posted on02/26/2016 • Reading Time: 3minutes

The shower is a place we all seek to feel clean and peaceful. However, this sometimes becomes impossible when we are surrounded by shower curtain mold and mildew! These signs of grime and filth can be very off-putting, especially in a space that’s supposed to make you feel comfortable and cleaner once you use it. However, it’s not sustainable (or cheap) to throw away one shower curtain after another like they’re disposable tissues! Prevent the problem before it starts so you won’t feel gross in the shower ever again.

Preventing Shower Curtain Mold

The best way to fight mold is to prevent it from coming into you shower to begin with!

Choose a shower curtain made out of woven, synthetic material. The fibers don’t hold water, and they tend to wash well.

Choose a shower curtain with a smooth and consistent surface rather than one with etchings or raised designs. These create crevices and edges that collect water.

Wash your shower curtain regularly—before it grows mold.

Vent your bathroom during and after your shower.

Once you leave the shower, hang the shower curtain on the outside of your tub so that it’s not trapping the water between the inside of your tub and the curtain.

Make sure there is enough room for air to circulate around both sides of the shower curtain.

Regularly use a shower cleaning solution (one that prevents mildew). Spray it on your shower curtain at least once a week.

Open the door to your bathroom after a shower to let the humidity circulate out.

If you have a window in your bathroom, open it if it’s not humid outside.

Hang up your towels. Leaving them crumpled on the ground doesn’t let them dry properly, and it contributes to the humidity in the bathroom.

Cleaning Shower Curtain Mold

If the mold has already invaded your space, don’t throw away your shower curtain just yet. If you are able to make a clean shower curtain, it can save you money. Try cleaning outside on a large surface (car port, picnic table, etc.):

Take the shower curtain off of its hooks.

Fold the moldy areas inwards so that spores and mold debris won’t come off while you are moving it through your home.

Lay it down on a surface.

Spray a mixture of two parts hydrogen peroxide and one part water. Let it sit for ten minutes.

Make a paste out of one part baking soda and one part water.

Scrub the mold off with rags or sponges.

Rinse and repeat until all of the mold is gone from both sides of the shower curtain.

If you can’t clean your shower curtain outside and need to keep it indoors:

Take the shower curtain off of its hooks.

Place the shower curtain in the tub.

Soak it with water and hydrogen peroxide or white distilled vinegar (warning: the latter comes with a strong smell).

Start scrubbing.

How to Clean a Shower Liner

There are two different ways to clean a shower liner or shower curtain, and both methods are relatively simple.

First Method — Use a Washing Machine: Washing your shower liner or curtain in the washing machine is a little different that cleaning clothes. You will want to use warm water and add vinegar, baking soda or if you do wish to use laundry detergent make sure it’s for delicate and don’t use a lot. Pick one of these three options for your cleaning, you don’t want to combine any of these ingredients or you might find a large puddle of water on your floor when you return. Once the cleaning cycle is finished, simply hang it back on the shower rod to dry.

Second Method — Washing by Hand: To wash by hand you will want to use baking soda and a microfiber close or wash cloth. First get your cloth wet and then lightly sprinkle some baking soda on it. You’ll want to reapply more baking soda every now and then until you have scrubbed the entire liner or curtain. After you’re finished you’ll want to wash it off with some warm water and check for any unclean spots. Any spots that still have spots of soap scum on them you’ll want to revisit with the rag and baking soda. Rinse and repeat until your liner or curtain is completely clean. As a bonus, this method will leave a fresh scent in your bathroom.

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